Disco 2 Watts link

My Watts link is knocking is getting worse and was thinking to replace but 2 friends replaced there's to last less than a year to go again .

I heard on rear phanard rod conversion , which is best route to go down ?

Daily driver with some off roading at weekends .

I presume they used some aftermarket/''OEM" then, those dont last especially the middle one.... i replaced mines with genuine LR and still going strong after 3 years and i drive a lot on rocky tracks with loaded vehicle

Pretty sure was britpart link with bushes already in .

Matt2e0fgx said:

Pretty sure was britpart link with bushes already in .

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Then they lasted too much 1 year

Like said, when it comes to rubber compression components, anything other than genuine is a waste of time and money. But you're going to need a hydraulic press to do them as I never came across a Watts link complete with genuine bushes pre-installed.

If you want the best here they are https://www.groveautoengineering.co...-linkage-greasable-watts-linkage-centre-pivot not cheap but worth it

sierrafery said:

If you want the best here they are https://www.groveautoengineering.co...-linkage-greasable-watts-linkage-centre-pivot not cheap but worth it

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The original bushes on mine lasted 17 years and I don't remember finding any undue corrosion on the inner bearings. Synthetic and natural rubber will invariably age and perish and this cannot be avoided, even with greasable center pivots. I'm saying this because the cost of those links can only be justified if it can be shown that they last much longer than the genuine non-greasable links installed with wax coated bolts. Spending that kind of money on a problem that might not even exist does not make any sense, at least to my mind.

Have been told it is possible to use a front axle (panhard rod) in place of a rear.
No idea if this is true.
Watts linkage is a great idea, theoretically, and does avoid the only (slight) problem with the panhard rod. Buit it has more moving parts so wear is always more noticeable.
Anyone tried to fit an A arm or anything instead? As per D1? Or of another design?

Going to stay with a watts linkage I think, best route seems to go but genuine LR bushes/ bearings and new bolts. I shall buy a used unit and refurb myself while still able to use the car if I can get one cheap enough .

discovery2.co.uk covers this issue very well. Long story short, insist on OEM parts, accept nothing less.

DaisyDriver said:

discovery2.co.uk covers this issue very well. Long story short, insist on OEM parts, accept nothing less.

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Unfortunately "OEM" means nothing these days, it's just some branded aftermarket... GENUINE LR is the only way.

...loked at the front axle today while under there. If anyone wants to change rear for front you are in for a bit of welding and fabrication! Not too tough but obviously it would have to be done!